Taxi from PEK Beijing Capital airport to Tianjin ShangriLa

Question

Do I get a Taxi from Beijing Capital airport PEK to Tianjin Shangri-La Hotel

from the official taxi rank at the airport or is there a separate rank for inter-province taxi.

Thank you

Answer

Hi,

Traveling by taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Tianjin Shangri-La Hotel is possible, but there are some important details to know since this is an inter-province journey.

Here’s what you need to know:

Official Taxi Ranks at PEK: Beijing Capital Airport has official taxi ranks at all terminals (T2 and T3). These are primarily for taxis operating within Beijing city limits. You can easily find them after clearing customs and baggage claim by following the “Taxi” signs.
Inter-Province Taxis: Taxis to other provinces or cities, like Tianjin, are considered “long-distance” or “inter-city” taxis. You cannot simply take a standard Beijing taxi from the airport to Tianjin, because most Beijing taxis are not licensed for inter-province trips.
Options to Get to Tianjin:
- Pre-Booked Private Car / Ride-Hailing Services: You can book a Didi Chuxing ride or a private car in advance that is licensed for inter-city travel. Some airport counters can assist with this.
- Airport Shuttle or Coach: There are intercity coaches from Beijing Capital Airport to Tianjin, usually leaving from the airport’s long-distance bus station. These are scheduled and can be convenient.
- High-Speed Train: Another common option is to take a taxi or shuttle to Beijing’s city train station (like Beijing South Railway Station) and then take a high-speed train to Tianjin. Travel time is roughly 30–40 minutes.

Recommendations:

Do not expect a standard Beijing taxi at the airport to take you to Tianjin; it is likely prohibited and drivers may refuse.
If you prefer a taxi-like convenience, pre-book a Didi or a private car for inter-city travel. This ensures a licensed driver and fixed pricing.
Consider combining airport shuttle and high-speed train if you want a more economical and fast option.

Overall, the airport’s official taxi ranks are for Beijing city, and for Tianjin you should plan for an inter-city car or train option.